Kia K5 vs Chevrolet Cruze
Overview | |
Years produced2011-2019 | Years produced2021-Present |
MSRP$16,975 | MSRP$27,190 |
Listings4799 | Listings9579 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.7 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| |
Reviews SummaryAs the dissonant chords of Dieselgate still resonate throughout the industry, most car companies have abandoned efforts toward any future diesel-powered cars. A $15 billion fine will have that sort of chilling effect. But Chevrolet has taken a different approach, instead seeing the mass retreat from diesel as an opportunity to fill a void. As the driver Jean-Pierre Sarti said in Frankenheimer’s 1966 epic “Grand Prix”: “When I see something really horrible, I put my foot down. Hard! Because I know that everyone else is lifting his.” | |
Reviews SummaryKia has updated the stylish 2025 K5 with new exterior lighting, revised front and rear styling, and redesigned wheels. The only turbocharged version is now the GT sports sedan; other K5 models have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with less real-world driving punch than the previously-standard turbo four. New technology, redesigned dashboard controls, and more standard features are also on the menu, and Kia’s family car remains a good value. Verdict: Unfortunately, the 2025 Kia K5 still doesn’t offer a hybrid powertrain like its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Sonata, does. It’s also less enjoyable to drive, thanks to this year’s engine swap. However, the new tech impresses, the K5 remains stylish and comfortable, and it costs less than some rivals. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.4L 153 hp I4 | Engine2.5L 191 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower153 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
MPG City27 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway40 | MPG Highway37 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.4L 153 hp I4 | Engine Name2.5L 191 hp I4 |
Torque | Torque181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower153 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City27 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway40 | MPG Highway37 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation System | Navigation SystemStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall4 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space14.8 cu ft | Cargo Space15.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight2835 lbs | Curb Weight3230 lbs |
Height57.4 in | Height56.9 in |
Length183.7 in | Length193.1 in |
Width70.5 in | Width73.2 in |
Wheelbase106.3 in | Wheelbase112.2 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload1206 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 2011-2019 | 2021-Present |
MSRP | $16,975 | $27,190 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 6.7 out of 10Read full review | 7.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | As the dissonant chords of Dieselgate still resonate throughout the industry, most car companies have abandoned efforts toward any future diesel-powered cars. A $15 billion fine will have that sort of chilling effect. But Chevrolet has taken a different approach, instead seeing the mass retreat from diesel as an opportunity to fill a void. As the driver Jean-Pierre Sarti said in Frankenheimer’s 1966 epic “Grand Prix”: “When I see something really horrible, I put my foot down. Hard! Because I know that everyone else is lifting his.” | Kia has updated the stylish 2025 K5 with new exterior lighting, revised front and rear styling, and redesigned wheels. The only turbocharged version is now the GT sports sedan; other K5 models have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with less real-world driving punch than the previously-standard turbo four. New technology, redesigned dashboard controls, and more standard features are also on the menu, and Kia’s family car remains a good value. Verdict: Unfortunately, the 2025 Kia K5 still doesn’t offer a hybrid powertrain like its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Sonata, does. It’s also less enjoyable to drive, thanks to this year’s engine swap. However, the new tech impresses, the K5 remains stylish and comfortable, and it costs less than some rivals. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.4L 153 hp I4 | 2.5L 191 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 153 hp @ 5600 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
MPG City | 27 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 40 | 37 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.4L 153 hp I4 | 2.5L 191 hp I4 |
Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | |
Horsepower | 153 hp @ 5600 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 27 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 40 | 37 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 14.8 cu ft | 15.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 2835 lbs | 3230 lbs |
Height | 57.4 in | 56.9 in |
Length | 183.7 in | 193.1 in |
Width | 70.5 in | 73.2 in |
Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 112.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 1206 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |

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